The firm

consulting for health care, human services, and technology.

Wilson Strategic leverages more than 50 years of combined professional experience of partners DJ and Karianna Wilson — in executive leadership and consulting spanning public policy, operations, finance, and communications.

A unique firm built upon a set of uncommon experiences. If your executive leadership team is facing an uncertain challenge, there’s a good chance we’ve seen something like it before.

DJ and Karianna Wilson
DJ & Karianna Wilson, Partners
Get in touch
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Consultants.

Two senior practitioners. Decades of experience across executive leadership, policy, and operations.

DJ Wilson
Education
MA, Johns Hopkins University SAIS
BA, Gonzaga University
Contact
djw@wilsonstrategic.info

DJ Wilson

Partner

DJ first launched his consulting firm in 2004, building the then-called Wilson Strategic Communications, Inc. into one of the most prominent consultancies for the health care and human service sectors in the Pacific Northwest.

During his career, he served some of the most respected organizations in the region, including Molina Healthcare of Washington, PeaceHealth, Community Health Plan of Washington, Seattle Children’s, Beacon Health Options, CareSource, Elevance Health, Northwest Physicians Network, and others.

In 2021, Wilson Strategic Communications was sold to Health Management Associates, allowing DJ to focus on getting his children and family through the disruption of COVID. Wilson Strategic, Inc. was re‑launched in 2024 with a renewed energy and focus on health care, human services, and technology challenges.

100+
Policy, political & public affairs campaigns
35+
Senior executive retreats facilitated
2
Books published
240k
Newsletter subscribers (former)

DJ also taught economics and political science courses at the college and university level for five years. He also serves as the Defensive Coordinator for the Bishop Blanchet HS football team.

Karianna Wilson
Education
MHA, University of Washington
BA, University of Washington
Contact
karianna@wilsonstrategic.info

Karianna Wilson

Partner

Karianna has served in senior executive roles across multiple silos in health care — both in‑house and interim, including CEO, CFO, and COO — totaling more than 25 years of experience.

Former Interim CEO
PIHP Central Michigan Regional Entity
A Pre-paid Inpatient Health Plan for behavioral health services
Former CFO / COO
Northwest Physicians Network
The largest IPA in the Pacific Northwest, with full risk for Medicare Advantage and Medicaid beneficiaries
Former COO
Columbia United Providers
A regional MCO with over 100,000 lives

Karianna has negotiated and managed hundreds of payer–provider agreements and has deep expertise in designing and operationalizing programs that address the needs of vulnerable populations — including those with behavioral health and social service needs. She has a particular depth of knowledge bringing behavioral health organizations into the world of managed care or plan contracting.

Her work increasingly focuses on cross‑sector initiatives that integrate healthcare with workforce development, housing, and re‑entry services to improve outcomes for justice‑involved individuals.

Karianna is also an elected commissioner for a public hospital district in Washington State, where she contributes to community‑based health improvement and grantmaking efforts.

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Services.

A curated set of capabilities, drawn from decades of practice across health care, human services, and technology.

Our team has a unique network of personal relationships across much of the US — from senior executives to policy makers.

This means we can “go anywhere” to support our clients. It means we can “flex” with you as opportunities present themselves.

Yesterday, this might have meant developing a strategy for a state managed care RFP. Today, it may mean coordinating a multi‑state legislative campaign. Tomorrow, it could require executing an M&A strategy.

In short, there are few places we don’t know. There are few problems we haven’t been tasked with. We can help you whenever, wherever, on whatever crosses your path.

Areas of work
1115 Waiver development
State regulatory affairs
CMS & federal regulatory affairs
Congressional advocacy
Title XIX Medicaid policy
Title IV Child Welfare policy
Legislative relations
Public policy development
Business development
Earned media relations
Public relations
Strategic communications
M&A sourcing & negotiation
Financial management
Pro forma modeling & budgeting
Econometric analysis
Plan–provider contracting
Interim executive management
Strategic planning & facilitation
Event management & facilitation
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Clients.

A selection of some of the organizations we’ve collaborated with over the years, ranging across the full spectrum of health care, human services, and health technology.

Elevance Health
CareSource
Carelon Health
Washington State Health Care Authority
Molina Healthcare
Premera BlueCross
Northwest Physicians Network
Seattle Children’s
Beacon Health Options
Providence Health and Services
Community Health Plan of WA
Ryther Child Center
Kindering Behavioral Health
YMCA of Greater Seattle
Rural Health Clinic Association of WA
Oregon Health Authority
Columbia United Providers
PeaceHealth
Physicians of Southwest Washington
PH Tech
Alaska Physicians and Surgeons
Mat-Su Health Foundation
Sprout Family Services
Clarity Health Services
Siemens
SoundPath Health
Central Michigan Regional Entity
Contact

Let’s talk.

If you’d like to discuss a challenge or explore working together, reach out directly.

DJ Wilson
djw@wilsonstrategic.info
Karianna Wilson
karianna@wilsonstrategic.info